Understanding the Impact of Aluminium on Human Health: Myths and Facts

Understanding the Impact of Aluminium on Human Health: Myths and Facts

Understanding the Impact of Aluminium on Human Health: Myths and Facts

Aluminium's Impact on Health
Introduction:
Aluminium: A Common Household Element

Aluminium (Al) is a familiar presence in many Indian households. From utensils used for mass cooking in army and hostel messes to the ubiquitous aluminium foil used for cooking and food packaging, it's an integral part of our lives. Recently, concerns have arisen about the safety of aluminium exposure, with some studies suggesting possible links to health issues such as anaemia, dementia, and osteomalacia. In this article, we delve into the arguments both for and against these claims, aiming to provide a clear understanding of the effects of aluminium on human health.

The Craft of Making Utensils:
Shaping Aluminium into Everyday Tools

Aluminium possesses unique physical and chemical properties that make it suitable for crafting utensils. With a density one-third that of steel, it's significantly lightweight. Alloys containing manganese, copper, and zinc with aluminium as the primary metal offer high strength and resistance to oxidation. When exposed to air, aluminium combines with oxygen to form a colorless and inert aluminium oxide film on its surface, preventing further corrosion.

Absorption and Elimination within the Body:
Tracing Aluminium's Journey

When ingested orally, only a small portion (0.01%-1%) of aluminium is absorbed from the digestive tract in healthy individuals. The kidneys play a crucial role in eliminating absorbed aluminium from the body. In 2011, the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (WHO JECFA) set a provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of aluminium at 2 mg/kg of body weight. While aluminium tends to accumulate in tissues and organs, posing potential dysfunction risks, this is particularly relevant for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Concerns in Patients with Kidney Issues:
The Aluminium Accumulation Dilemma

For individuals with impaired kidney function, the accumulation of aluminium becomes a pressing concern. It can amass in organs like the brain and bones, leading to toxic effects. Neurological syndromes like 'dialysis encephalopathy' and 'dialysis dementia' can arise due to aluminium accumulation in the brain. Hyperphosphataemia, seen in people with impaired kidneys, further complicates matters. Although aluminium-based treatments were once used, they've fallen out of favor due to toxicity concerns. Initiating dialysis therapy in CKD patients can also elevate aluminium toxicity risk, which is manageable through careful protocols.

Research Findings and Health Effects:
Decoding the Link between Aluminium and Health Issues

Aluminium serves no physiological purpose, yet it's been linked to various adverse effects. It competes with iron, magnesium, and calcium, potentially causing issues like osteomalacia, anaemia, and dialysis encephalopathy. While there are suggestions that aluminium might play a role in Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, and lung problems, these associations lack conclusive confirmation.

Conclusion:
Unraveling the Aluminium Enigma

While aluminium is an everyday material with a range of uses, its potential impact on human health remains a topic of debate. Research continues to explore the connection between aluminium exposure and various health issues. By staying informed and making informed choices, we can navigate the aluminium landscape while prioritizing our well-being.

Content source courtesy : https://nmji.in/aluminium-utensils-